Cherny steps down as Democratic Party chair

Andrei Cherny, chairman of the Arizona Democratic Party, is stepping down from his position in order to take on a “new and different task.”

He didn’t mention it in the letter he sent out today, but Cherny is expected to soon announce he is running for Congress in the new 9th Congressional District, which includes parts of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Mesa.

Cherny didn’t reveal his campaign plans, but his website confirmed his congressional aspirations. The site, www.andreiforarizona.com, which originally hosted the site for his 2010 state treasurer’s race, declared “Andrei Cherny for Congress,” along with the slogan, “Turn our economy around.”

A Cherny campaign would set up a three-way primary – for now, at least – between Cherny, Senate Minority Leader David Schapira and Kyrsten Sinema, who resigned her Senate seat earlier this month in order to run for Congress.

“It is a bittersweet moment, but I have decided to step down as chair of the Arizona Democratic Party,” Cherny said.

In his letter, he touted achievements by the party during his term, including helping to elect Democratic mayors in Phoenix and Tucson.

Looking ahead, Cherny said he is confident Arizona will be at the forefront in the fight to keep President Barack Obama in the White House.